Pat Surtain II has already established himself as one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks, but the Denver Broncos star believes his talents could translate to the other side of the ball as well.
Following in the footsteps of two-way college sensation Travis Hunter, who dominated both as a cornerback and receiver for the Colorado Buffaloes, Surtain is making his case for some offensive snaps. The Pro Bowl defensive back suggests his experience defending the NFL’s top receivers gives him the right insight into what it takes to succeed at the position.
“Why not?” Surtain told Catie Cheshire of Westword. “Put me at receiver. Let me make a couple plays here and there. I could do it. Whatever route you need me to, whatever you need me to do, I’m there. …Me at receiver is very dynamic. Playing cornerback and going up against the top wideouts of the game each and every week, I think that would definitely help my case out even more.”
Hunter, who lit up the college football world and helped return Colorado football back to relevancy, is projected to go top-5 in this year’s NFL draft. According to Surtain, he believes that Hunter’s skills will translate very well to the pros, and that he could still play on both offense and defense.
“Whatever he put his mind to, he could go out there and do it,” said Surtain. “Obviously he’s a great player; he’s had great people around him telling him to do the right thing. As long as he has that same drive, that same work ethic, and never gets complacent, I think the sky’s the limit for him.”
“I just think he’s the ultimate player.”
Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II praises @CUBuffsFootball star Travis Hunter (@TravisHunterJr) 🤝🦬 pic.twitter.com/ebl8rEH1oG
— Mile High Sports (@MileHighSports) December 12, 2024
Surtain just completed a truly spectacular season. His performance has made him a finalist for NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year, with many considering him to be the frontrunner. Winning the Defensive Player of the Year award would put him in rare company, as it’s an award that has mostly eluded even the game’s greatest cornerbacks. Just ask Broncos legend Champ Bailey, who despite his Hall of Fame career never took home the trophy.
“It would mean a lot,” Surtain said on how winning the award would feel. “Being one of the rare cases where a defensive back wins it….that would be a huge accomplishment on its own and something to add to my trophy case.”